"OKA b. and Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute hold a special place in my heart. In 2004, I started working for OKA b. It was a new company with tons of potential. After two years of hard work by me and my few co-workers, it was starting to take off. The sales and brand continued to grow and grow. Everything was great! Then I was blind-sided by some devastating news.
In October 2006 (Breast Cancer Awareness Month - ironically), I was diagnosed with Stage Two Breast Cancer. I was 33 Years old. When I received the diagnosis, many things began to go through my mind: Will I live?; How I will work? I had the loving support of my husband and family, but I was glad to find out that I also had the unconditional support of OKA b. Along with family, OKA b. stood behind me, supported me and allowed me to work through treatment and recovery. As I would find out, working would be very important to me. Staying busy did not allow time to dwell on my illness. Continuing to work at OKA b. gave me a sense of normalcy and the feeling of being in control, while dealing with a disease that was out of my control. That's where Emory Winship took over.
Living and working in Atlanta, I was able to access the internationally renowned Emory Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta, GA. This is where I would receive my treatment. At Emory Winship, I met my surgeon, Dr. Grant Carlson, and his team including his administrator Jane Baab. They were amazing both as medical experts but also as an emotional support staff. From the beginning, they treated me like a human being – not just as a patient. Immediately after being diagnosed there was someone talking to me on the phone and reassuring me about my situation. After my first appointment with Dr. Carlson I realized I would be well taken care of. He was direct and honest. Together, we came up with a plan that I believed in.
After my surgery, I found out I would have to undergo chemotherapy and would be losing my hair. As a woman and professional, this was devastating. I sell shoes to spas, which is an image-
Today, I feel so fortunate. I am 3 years from my diagnosis, and I try to live life to the fullest every day. However, I never forget those who helped me through this unbelievably trying time: OKA b. and Emory Winship. Both are still an important part of my life. I just hope that I can give back to them, the way they did for me."
